Therapeutic delivery of carbon monoxide to extracorporeal and isolated organs

ABSTRACT

Metal carbonyls are used to deliver CO to organs to limit post-ischaemic damage. The organ may be extracorporeal, e.g. for use in a transplant, or may be an isolated organ inside or attached to the body but isolated from the blood flow. The carbonyl preferably has one or more other ligands other than CO, such as amino acids, to modulate the CO release property and solubility.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of carbon monoxide delivery to extracorporeal and isolated organs of humans and other mammals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transplant surgery is now used routinely in cases where patients have body organs that are damaged or malfunctioning. For example heart, lung, liver and kidney transplants are all well known. In transplant surgery, the patient's organ is removed and replaced with an organ donated by a donor. It is often necessary to transport a donated organ from the place of donation to the location of the transplant surgery. This can often involve transport of the donated organ over long distances. A donated organ in transit will be isolated from a blood supply and is therefore subject to ischaemic damage. It is important to limit this ischaemic damage, as any damage may affect the functioning of the organ after it has been transplanted.

It is also now common to perform surgery where an in situ body organ, tissue or part is isolated from the patient's blood supply. An example of this is heart valve replacement where the heart is stopped by a cardioplegic solution and the function of the heart is taken over by a mechanical pump system located outside of the body. In this case, the heart is isolated from the patient's blood supply. Again, there is a risk that an organ isolated in such a manner could be affected by ischaemic damage which is undesirable.

The beneficial physiological effects of carbon monoxide (CO) have been recognized and reported in a number of publications. A discussion of the background studies carried out in this area are reported in co-pending application WO 02/092075 published 21 Nov. 2002 which originates from work of the present inventors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It can be seen that a method for limiting ischaemic damage of extracorporeal and isolated organs is required. The object of this invention is to provide such a method.

As exemplified by the experimental data detailed below, the present inventors have found that metal carbonyl compounds can be used to deliver CO to an extracorporeal or isolated organ so as to reduce ischaemic damage of the organ tissue.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of treatment of an extracorporeal or isolated organ comprising contacting the organ with a composition including a metal carbonyl compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Typically the metal carbonyl makes available carbon monoxide (CO) to limit post-ischaemic damage.

Preferably, the metal carbonyl makes CO available by at least one of the following means:

1) CO derived by dissociation of the metal carbonyl is present in the composition in dissolved form;

2) on contact with a solvent or ligand the metal carbonyl releases CO;

3) on contact with a tissue, organ or cell the metal carbonyl releases CO; 4) on irradiation, the metal carbonyl releases CO.

While the invention is primarily here discussed as involving the delivery of carbon monoxide to the organ being treated wherein the metal carbonyl makes CO available for physiological effect, it is not excluded that a different mechanism is involved, such as that the metal carbonyl acts directly without release of CO.

The organ treated in the method of the invention is an organ which is isolated from the blood supply. The organ may be extracorporeal e.g. a donated organ outside of the donor's body, or it may be isolated in the sense that it is in a patient's body and isolated from the blood supply for surgical purposes.

The organ may be, for example, a circulatory organ, respiratory organ, urinary organ, digestive organ, reproductive organ, neurological organ, muscle or skin flap or an artificial organ containing viable cells. Most preferably, the organ is a heart, lung, kidney or liver. The contacting with the compositions containing metal carbonyl can be achieved by any method that exposes the organ to the composition e.g. bathing or pumping. Preferably, an isolated organ which is attached to the body, i.e. a bypassed organ, is perfused with the composition. An organ which is extracorporeal is preferably bathed in the composition.

The term “compound” includes species generated on dissolution.

Certain metal carbonyl compounds are capable of releasing CO on contact with a suitable solvent. The solvent may form a component part of the composition. Thus in this aspect of the invention, the treatment uses CO derived from the metal carbonyl in dissolved form. The conditions under which the carbonyl compound is dissolved in the solvent during preparation of the composition may be controlled such that the CO thus released is retained in solution. This may be facilitated where an equilibrium exists between the dissociated components and the undissociated carbonyl.

The dissociated components of the parent carbonyl may themselves be metal carbonyl complexes capable of releasing further CO. For example, when [Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ is dissolved in DMSO, CO is liberated into solution, and a mixture of tri-carbonyl and di-carbonyl complexes is formed, and these themselves may be capable of releasing further CO.

Release of CO from the complex can be stimulated by reaction with a ligand in solution which for example replaces one of the ligands of the complex leading to loss of CO from the complex. The ligand may be one containing sulphur or nitrogen. Some metal carbonyls may release CO on contact with biological ligands such as glutathione or histidine.

In a further aspect of the invention, the composition may not itself contain dissolved CO, but may be prepared such as to release CO on contact with a suitable solvent or medium. For example, the composition may contain a metal carbonyl compound capable of releasing CO on contact with, for example, water, cardioplegic fluids or perfluorocarbon type blood substitutes.

Alternatively, the composition may be intended to be dissolved in water prior to administration. Such compositions may be prepared in solution or in solid form, such as in tablet form. If they are in solution form, they will typically be prepared in a solvent which does not support dissociation of the metal carbonyl compound, such that release of CO takes place only on contact with the appropriate substance.

In another aspect of the invention the composition may contain a metal carbonyl compound which releases CO on contact with a tissue, organ or cell. It is known that certain metal carbonyl compounds do not release CO to solution but are nevertheless capable of releasing CO to physiological cellular materials or tissues, such as vascular endothelium. For example, [Fe(SPh)₂(2,2′-bipyridine) (CO)₂] is known not to release CO to myoglobin in solution, but is nevertheless capable of promoting dilatation of pre-contracted aortic rings. Without wishing to be limited by any particular theory, it is thought that CO may be released from such compounds as a result of an oxidation-reduction reaction, mediated by cellular components such as cytochromes.

However the invention is not limited to a redox reaction as a mechanism for CO release, since loss of at least a first CO from the complex may occur without redox.

As yet another alternative, the metal carbonyl compound may release CO on irradiation. The compound may be irradiated prior to administration, for example to produce a solution of dissolved CO, or may be irradiated in situ after administration. It is contemplated that such compositions may be used to provide controlled, localised release of CO. For example, a pharmaceutical composition of this type may be administered and CO released specifically at a site in need thereof, e.g. to induce vasodilation, by localised irradiation by means of a laser or other radiant energy source, such as UV rays.

Typically the compositions of the present invention release CO such as to make it available to the isolated organ in dissolved form. However, in some circumstances CO may be released from a metal carbonyl directly to a non-solvent acceptor molecule.

It will be apparent that compositions according to the present invention may be capable of delivering CO through one or more of the above described modes of action.

Typically the metal carbonyl compound comprises a complex of a transition metal, preferably a transition metal from groups 6 to 10 (in this specification the groups of the periodic table are numbered according to the IUPAC system from 1 to 18). The number of carbonyl ligands is not limited, provided at least one carbonyl ligand is present. The preferred metals are transition metals of lower molecular weight, in particular Fe, Ru, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo and Rh. Two other metals which may be used are Pd and Pt. In the metal carbonyl complexes used in the invention, the metal is typically in a low oxidation state, i.e. O, I or II. For the metals preferred, the oxidation states are typically not higher than Fe^(II), Ru^(II), Mn^(I), Co^(II) or Co^(II) preferably Co^(I), Rh^(III) preferably Rh^(I), Ni^(II), Mo^(II). The metal is preferably not a radionuclide. Fe is one particularly suitable metal, since Fe is present in quantity in mammals.

The metal carbonyl compounds may be regarded as complexes, because they comprise CO groups coordinated to a metal centre. However the metal may be bonded to other groups by other than coordination bonds, e.g. by ionic or covalent bonds. Thus groups other than CO which form part of the metal carbonyl compound need not strictly be “ligands” in the sense of being coordinated to a metal centre via a lone electron pair, but will be referred to herein as “ligands” for ease of reference.

The carbonyl compound preferably comprises at least one modulatory ligand. By this is meant a ligand which is not CO, but which modulates a particular property of the complex, such as the tendency to release CO, solubility, hydrophobicity, stability, electrochemical potential, etc. Thus suitable choices of ligand may be made in order to modulate the behaviour of the compound. For example it may be desirable to modulate the solubility of the compound in organic and/or aqueous solvents, its ability to cross cell membranes, its rate of release of CO on contact with a particular solvent or cell type, etc.

Such ligands are typically neutral or anionic ligands, such as halide, or derived from Lewis bases and having N, P, O, S or C as the coordinating atom(s). Preferred coordinating atoms are N, O and S. Examples include, but are not limited to, sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide, natural and synthetic amino acids and their salts for example, glycine, cysteine, and proline, amines such as NEt₃ and H₂NCH₂CH₂NH₂, aromatic bases and their analogues, for example, bi-2,2′-pyridyl, indole, pyrimidine and cytidine, pyrroles such as biliverdin and bilirubin, drug molecules such as YC-1 (2-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzylindazole), thiols and thiolates such as EtSH and PhSH, chloride, bromide and iodide, carboxylates such as formate, acetate, and oxalate, ethers such as Et₂O and tetrahydrofuran, alcohols such as EtOH, and nitriles such as MeCN. Particularly preferred are coordinating ligands, such as amino acids, which render the carbonyl complex stable in aqueous solution. Other possible ligands are conjugated carbon groups, such as dienes. One class of ligands which can provide metal carbonyl compounds of use in this invention is cyclopentadienyl (C₅H₅) and substituted cyclopentadienyl. The substituent group in substituted cyclopentadienyl may be for example an alkanol, an ether or an ester, e.g.—(CH₂)_(n)OH where n is 1 to 4, particularly —CH₂OH, —(CH₂)_(n)OR where n is 1 to 4 and R is hydrocarbon preferably alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and —(CH₂)_(n)OOCR where n is 1 to 4 and R is hydrocarbon preferably alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The preferred metal in such a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complex is Fe. Preferably the cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complex is cationic, being associated with an anion such as chloride.

CO is suggested to act at least in part through the stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity. Thus the metal carbonyl compound may desirably comprise ligands which modulate the effect of CO on guanylate cyclase. For example, the drug YC-1 (3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzylindole) is thought to enhance stimulation of guanylate cyclase by CO. Thus incorporation of ligands such as YC-1 or derivatives thereof into the metal carbonyl compounds can alter or enhance the biological effects of the released CO.

The metal carbonyl compound may further comprise a targeting moiety, to facilitate release of CO at an appropriate site. The targeting moiety is typically capable of binding a receptor on a particular target cell surface, in order to promote release of CO at the required site. The targeting moiety may be a part of a modulating ligand capable of binding to a receptor found on the surface of the target cells, or may be derived from another molecule, such as an antibody directed against a particular receptor, joined to the complex by a suitable linker.

In most preferred embodiments, the treatment uses a composition for delivery of CO, comprising as active ingredient a compound of the formula M(CO)_(x)A_(y) where x is at least one, y is at least one, M is a metal, A is an atom or group bonded to M by an ionic, covalent or coordination bond but is not CO, and, in the case where y>1, each A may be the same or different, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of such a compound. Typically, M is a transition metal, particularly of groups 6 to 10, and A may be selected from neutral or anionic ligands such as halide or derived from Lewis bases and having N, P, O, S or C as the coordinating atom. Mono-, bi- or poly-dentate ligands may be used. More details of preferred metals and ligands are given above. The molecular weight of the compound is preferably less than 1000, e.g. not more than 822. Some useful CO-releasing metal carbonyls are given in FIGS. 5A to 5F.

The carbonyl complex should be pharmaceutically acceptable, in particular non-toxic or of acceptable toxicity at the dosage levels envisaged.

Most preferably, the treatment uses a metal carbonyl compound of the formula M(CO)_(x)A_(y)B_(z) where

-   -   M is Fe, Co or Ru,     -   x is at least one,     -   y is at least one,     -   z is zero or at least one,

each A is a ligand other than CO and is monodentate or polydentate with respect to M and is selected from the amino acids

alanine

arginine

asparagine

aspartic acid

cysteine

glutamic acid

glutamine

glycine

histidine

isoleucine

leucine

lysine

methionine

phenylalanine

proline

serine

threonine

tryptophan

tyrosine

valine

[O(CH₂COO)₂]²⁻ and

[NH(CH₂COO)₂]²⁻, and

B is optional and is a ligand other than CO

x is preferably 3, y is preferably 1 and z is preferably 1.

The term amino acid here used includes the species obtained by loss of the acidic hydrogen, such as glycinato.

B_(z) represents one or more optional other ligands. There are no particular limitations on B and ligands such as halides, e.g. chloride, bromide, iodide, and carboxylates, e.g. acetate may be used.

M is selected from Fe, Ru and Co. These metals are preferably in low oxidation states, as described above.

The compositions used the present invention typically comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier, buffer, stabiliser or other materials well known to those skilled in the art. Such materials should be non-toxic and should not interfere unduly with the efficacy of the active ingredient. Examples include St Thomas Hospital solutions, Euro-Collins solutions, University of Wisconsin solutions, Celsior solutions, Ringer Lactate solutions, Bretschneider solutions and perflurorcarbons. More information can be found in Nydegger et al, Transplant Immunology, 9 (2002) p 215-225.

The compositions generally include a liquid carrier such as water, petroleum, animal or vegetable oils, mineral oil or synthetic oil. Physiological saline solution, dextrose or other saccharide solution or glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol may be included. Pharmaceutically acceptable amounts of other solvents may also be included, in particular where they are required for dissolving the particular metal carbonyl compound contained in the composition. The composition may further comprise pharmaceutically acceptable additives such as suspending agents (e.g. sorbitol syrup, cellulose derivatives or hydrogenated edible fats); emulsifying agents (e.g. lecithin or acacia); non-aqueous vehicles (e.g. almond oil, oily esters, ethyl alcohol or fractionated vegetable oils); preservatives (e.g. methyl or propyl-p-hydroxybenzoates or sorbic acid); and energy sources (e.g. carbohydrates such as glucose, fats such as palmitate or amino acid).

The temperature at which the treatment is carried out is preferably between 15 and 37° C. for organs still attached to the body but isolated form the blood supply and between 2 and 10° C. for extracorporeal organs, preferably 4° C.

The amount of CO delivered in the treatment is preferably a prophylactically effective amount. The actual amount administered, and rate and time-course of administration, will depend on the nature of the organ.

The present invention also provides the use of a metal carbonyl compound as herein described in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of an extracorporeal or isolated organ to reduce ischaemic damage of the organ whilst it is isolated from a blood supply.

Throughout this application, references to medical treatment are intended to include both human and veterinary treatment, and references to pharmaceutical compositions are accordingly intended to encompass compositions for use in human or veterinary treatment.

INTRODUCTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Experimental data illustrating the present invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1A shows the structure of tricarbonylchloro(glycinato)ruthenium(II) (CORM-3);

FIG. 1B shows the deoxy-myoglobin and CO-myoglobin absorption spectra;

FIG. 1C shows conversion to MbCO;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, and 3B show the effects of various treatments on isolated, perfused rat hearts;

FIGS. 4A, B and C show the extent of tissue injury; and

FIGS. 5A to F show metal carbonyl compounds.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION AND EXPERIMENTAL DATA

Reagents and Material

Tricarbonyldichloro ruthenium(II) dimer ([Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂), 5-hydroxynoneate (5-HD), 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (tetrazolium red) and all the other reagents were purchased from Sigma (Poole, Dorset) unless specified otherwise.

Stock solutions of Ru(CO)₃Cl(NH₂CH₂CO₂)(CORM-3) (8 mM) were prepared by solubilizing the compound in distilled water. Synthesis of CORM-3 are described below. Decomposed CORM-3 (dCORM-3) was prepared by dissolving CORM-3 in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and allowing the solution to stand overnight (18 h) at room temperature. 2, 3, 5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (tetrazolium red) solution (3% w/v) was prepared freshly in Krebs-Henseleit buffer at the end of each experimental protocol prior to infusion into the isolated heart.

All data are expressed as mean±s.e.m. Differences between the groups analysed were assessed by the Student's two-tailed t-test, and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed where more than two treatments were compared. Results were considered statistically significant at P<0.05.

Herein, “mM” and “μM” signify concentrations (millimolar and micromolar respectively).

Detection of CO Release

The release of CO from CORM-3 or dCOMR-3 was assessed spectrophotometrically by measuring the conversion of deoxymyoglobin (deoxy-Mb) to carbonmonoxy myoglobin (MbCO) as previously described [3]. The amount of MbCO formed was quantified by measuring the absorbance at 540 nm (extinction coefficient=15.4 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹). Myoglobin solutions (66 mmol/L final concentration) were prepared fresh by dissolving the protein in 0.04 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Sodium dithionite (0.1%) was added to convert myoglobin to deoxy-Mb prior to each reading.

When CORM-3 was prepared in distilled water and then added to the phosphate buffer solution containing Mb, a spectrum characteristic of MbCO was rapidly detected (FIG. 1B). The amount of MbCO measured after the reaction revealed that 1 mole of CO was liberated per mole of CORM-3. In fact, as shown in FIG. 1C, addition of 40 μM CORM-3 resulted in the formation of 36.4±0.9 μM MbCO. When dissolved in water and left for 24 h at room temperature, CORM-3 retained its full ability to liberate CO as assessed by the conversion of Mb to MbCO (data not shown). In contrast, it was discovered that CORM-3 prepared in Krebs-Henseleit buffer gradually decomposed over time and lost its ability to release CO. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, CORM-3 in Krebs-Henseleit buffer left overnight at room temperature (dCORM-3) failed to convert deoxy-Mb to MbCO. These data reveal that CORM-3 prepared in water is relatively stable and that physiological solutions such as Krebs-Henseleit and phosphate buffers favour the release of CO from this metal carbonyl complex.

Isolated Heart Preparation

Isolated hearts from male Lewis rats (300-350 g) were perfused according to the Langendorff technique as previously described by our group [4]. Briefly, hearts were rapidly excised and perfused at constant flow (11 ml/min) with Krebs-Henseleit buffer (in mM: 119 NaCl, 4.7 KCl, 2.5 CaCl₂, 1.66 MgSO₄, 24.9 NaHCO₃, 1.18 KH₂PO₄, 5.55 glucose, 2.00 sodium pyruvate, 0.5 EGTA) bubbled with 95% O₂ and 5% CO₂ at 37° C. (pH 7.4). Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was continuously measured by a pressure transducer (Grass Instruments, Astromed, RI, USA) connected to the aortic cannula. A latex balloon filled with saline was inserted into the left ventricle through the atrium and connected by a catheter to a second pressure transducer. The balloon was inflated to provide an initial end-diastolic pressure (EDP) of 10 mmHg. Both transducers were connected to a computer and data were acquired with BioPac™ instrumentation and analyzed with the accompanying AcqKnowledge™ software (BIOPAC System Inc.). Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), heart rate (HR), maximal contraction (+dP/dt) and relaxation (−dP/dt) rates, CPP and EDP were continuously recorded throughout the period of perfusion.

Ischaemia-Reperfusion Model

Isolated hearts were allowed to equilibrate at constant flow for 30 min and then made globally ischaemic by interrupting the buffer perfusion. Ischaemic hearts were kept at 37° C. in the water-jacketed chamber for 30 min and then reperfused for 60 min. All the hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored throughout the experimental protocol as reported above. Krebs buffer was collected for 10 min from the pulmonary artery prior to the ischaemic event and in the last 10 min of reperfusion for creatine kinase (CK) analysis. At the end of reperfusion, hearts were stained to assess tissue viability using tetrazolium red. In additional experiments, hearts made ischaemic were infused for the first 10 min of reperfusion with CORM-3 or dCORM-3 (10 μM final concentration) via a syringe pump connected to the side arm of the aortic cannula. To assess a possible role of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels (K_(ATP)) in cardioprotection mediated by CORM-3, control hearts or hearts receiving CORM-3 were pre-treated for 10 min prior to ischaemia with 5-hydroxydodecanoate (5-HD, 50 μM final concentration), a specific blocker of mitochondrial K_(ATP).

Determination of Infarct Size and Cardiac Muscle Damage

Hearts from each experimental group (n=5) were stained for tissue viability at the end of the reperfusion period. Hearts were perfused through a side arm of the aortic cannula for 20 min with tetrazolium red (3% w/v) in Krebs Henseleit buffer at 37° C. The tetrazolium salt stains the viable myocardium brick red, whereas the infarcted tissue remains unstained and appears white. After staining, hearts were removed and stored in 2% formalin in the dark prior to analysis. Hearts were carefully cut into 2-mm thick sections, scanned into a computer using an AGFA Arcus® II scanner and the total ischaemic size was determined by volumetric analysis software (Scion Image®, Scion Corporation, MA, USA). Cardiac muscle damage was assessed by measuring the release of creatine kinase (CK) into the perfusate using a commercially available spectrophotometric assay kit (DG147-A) from Sigma Diagnostic (Poole, Dorset).

Results

Hemodynamic, biochemical and histological parameters were measured to assess the potential beneficial effects of CORM-3 on the functional recovery of hearts subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the cardiac performance of hearts treated with CORM-3 at reperfusion was significantly higher compared to control hearts (data marked ‘CON’ in Figures). After 60 min of reperfusion, control hearts displayed a 34% decrease in left ventricular-developed pressure (LVDP) compared to baseline whereas hearts reperfused in the presence of CORM-3 showed a 44% increase in this parameter (p<0.05, FIG. 2A). This positive inotropic effect mediated by CORM-3 was also evident when analyzing the maximal rate of contraction (+dP/dt) and relaxation (−dP/dt) in post-ischaemic hearts (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). While no significant changes in +dP/dt and −dP/dt were observed in control hearts after ischaemia-reperfusion, hearts reperfused in the presence of CORM-3 showed a significant increase in both +dP/dt (from 2099±99 to 3726±542 mmHg/s, p<0.05) and −dP/dt (from 1432±149 to 2207±258 mmHg/s, p<0.05). CORM-3 was also capable of preventing the increases in end diastolic (EDP) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) that are typical of post-ischaemic myocardial dysfunction in this model. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, control hearts showed an increase of 36.9±8.4 mmHg in EDP and 31.6±8.8 mmHg in CPP at the end of reperfusion whereas CORM-3 significantly attenuated these effects (3±1.8 and 13±2.2 mmHg for EDP and CPP, respectively; p<0.05). Biochemical and histological analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of CORM-3 in ameliorating the functional recovery of the ischaemic hearts. Creatine kinase (CK) activity, an index of cardiac tissue injury, was elevated in the buffer of reperfused control hearts (from 7.4±3.2 to 60.4±8.0 U/L) but the activity was significantly attenuated in the presence of CORM-3 (from 6.5±2.3 to 19.9±5.3 U/L) (p<0.05, see FIG. 4A). Similarly, the infarct size measured by staining the myocardial tissue with tetrazolium red at the end of the reperfusion period was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in hearts reperfused with CORM-3 (2.3±0.6%) compared to control (9.5±2.1%) (FIGS. 4B and 4C). It is interesting to note that the cardioprotective action elicited by CORM-3 as observed from all the parameters measured can be attributed to CO being liberated from this metal carbonyl during the reperfusion period. In fact, the negative control dCORM-3, which is incapable of releasing CO (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), did not promote any protective effect on the hemodynamic, biochemical and histological parameters measured (see FIGS. 2-4).

Mechanism of Cardioprotection by CORM-3: Possible Involvement of K Channels

The potassium ion (K⁺) is the major cytoplasmic and mitochondrial cation, and net flux of K⁺ across the inner membrane critically regulates mitochondrial activity including regulation of energy production (ATP) and maintenance of calcium homeostasis, which are both essential for cellular survival [1]. The ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel (K_(ATP)) has been identified as an important regulator of K⁺ flux and the opening of this channel has been implicated in protection of the myocardium against ischaemia-reperfusion [1, 2, 5]. Blockade of K_(ATP) channels with specific inhibitors such as 5-hydroxydodecanoate (5-HD) has been shown to exacerbate myocardial dysfunction and tissue damage during ischaemia reperfusion [5]. CO has also been shown to activate the opening of a different type of K⁺ channel that regulate the flux of calcium (K_(ca)) in smooth muscle cells and mediates vaso-relaxation [6, 7]. Therefore, it was hypothesized that part of the cardioprotective mechanism mediated by CORM-3 could involve the activation of K_(ATP) mitochondrial channels. The data presented in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 corroborate this hypothesis. In fact, the protective effects of CORM-3 in preserving myocardial contractility (LVDP, +dP/dt and −dP/dt) and preventing the increases in diastolic and coronary pressures (EDP and CPP) during reperfusion following the ischaemic event are totally abolished by pre-treatment of isolated hearts with 5-HD, an inhibitor of K_(ATP) mitochondrial channel (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively). Moreover, the levels of CK in the buffer at the end of reperfusion and the extent of the infarct size in hearts treated with 5-HD and CORM-3 were similar to control hearts and significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to hearts treated with CORM-3 alone (FIG. 4). The data indicate that CO released by CORM-3 could facilitate the opening of K_(ATP) channels which are crucial for maintaining cardiac function following ischaemic episodes.

Syntheses

Synthetic methods for obtaining compounds shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F are disclosed in WO 02/092075, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. These Co-releasing compounds are examples of those useful in the present invention. The CO release data in FIGS. 5A to 5F is explained in WO 02/092075.

By way of example, the synthesis of CORM-3 Ru(CO)₃Cl(NH₂CH₂CO₂) is set out below. Purity of the product has not been investigated in detail.

Preparation of Ru(CO)₃Cl(NH₂CH₂CO₂) [M_(R) 294.5]

Glycine Complex. Reference Number: CORM-3

[Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ (0.129 g, 0.25 mmol) and glycine (0.039 g, 0.5 mmol) were placed under nitrogen in a round bottomed flask. Methanol (75 cm³) and sodium ethoxide (0.034 g, 0.50 mmol) were added and the reaction allowed to stir for 18 hours at room temperature. The solvent was then removed under pressure and the yellow residue redissolved in THF, filtered and excess 40-60 light petroleum added. The yellow solution was evaporated down to give a pale yellow solid (0.142 g, 96%). The product was stored in closed vials at 4° C.

Alternative, Preferred Preparation of Ru(CO)₃Cl(NH₂CH₂CO₂) [M_(R) 294.6]

Glycine Complex. Reference Number: CORM-3.

[Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ (0.129 g, 0.25 mmol) and glycine (0.039 g, 0.50 mmol) were placed under nitrogen in a round bottomed flask. Methanol (40 cm³) and sodium methoxide (0.5M solution in MeOH, 1.00 cm³, 0.50 mmol) were added and the reaction stirred for 18 hours. HCl (2.0 M solution in diethyl ether) was added in small aliquots until the IR band at 1987 cm⁻¹ in solution IR spectroscopy could no longer be detected. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the yellow residue redissolved in THF, filtered and an excess of 40-60 light petroleum added. The resulting precipitate was isolated by pipetting off the mother liquor and drying under high vaccum. The same work up was repeated for the mother liquor once concentrated. The colour of the product varied between whit and pale yellow and was produced in an average yield of 0.133 g, (90%).

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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1. A method of treatment of an extracorporeal or isolated organ, comprising contacting the organ with a composition including a metal carbonyl compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the metal carbonyl makes available carbon monoxide (CO) to limit post-ischaemic damage.
 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said metal carbonyl makes CO available by at least one of the following means: 1) CO derived by dissociation of the metal carbonyl is present in the composition in dissolved form; 2) on contact with a solvent the metal carbonyl releases CO; 3) on contact with a tissue, organ or cell the metal carbonyl releases CO; 4) on irradiation, the metal carbonyl releases CO.
 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said organ is extracorporeal.
 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said organ is inside or attached to the body but isolated from the blood supply.
 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the contacting step includes perfusing said organ with said composition.
 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the metal carbonyl is a compound of the formula M(CO)_(x)A_(y) where x is at least one, y is at least one, M is a metal, the or each A is an atom or group bonded to M by an ionic, covalent or coordination bond but is not CO, and in the case where y>1 each A may be the same or different, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of such a compound.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein M is a transition metal.
 9. A method according to claim 7, wherein A is selected from neutral or anionic ligands such as halide or derived from Lewis bases and having N, P, O, S or C as the coordinating atom.
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein the metal carbonyl compound has the formula M(CO)_(x)A_(y)B_(z) where M is Fe, Co or Ru, x is at least one, y is at least one, z is zero or at least one, each A is a ligand other than CO and is monodentate or polydentate with respect to M and is selected from the amino acids alanine arginine asparagine aspartic acid cysteine glutamic acid glutamine glycine histidine isoleucine leucine lysine methionine phenylalanine proline serine threonine tryptophan tyrosine valine [O(CH₂COO)₂]²⁻ and [NH(CH₂COO)₂]²⁻, and B is optional and is a ligand other than CO.
 11. A method of treatment so as to limit post-ischaemic damage in an isolated organ which is inside or attached to the body but isolated from the blood supply, comprising administering a metal carbonyl to said organ. 12-15. (canceled) 